Washington, Hughes brothers on same page for "Book"

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Denzel Washington will star in the post-apocalyptic drama “The Book of Eli” for directing duo Allen and Albert Hughes, whose features include “Dead Presidents” and “From Hell.”

The drama focuses on a not-so-distant future when America is a wasteland and a lone warrior (Washington) fights to bring society the knowledge that is key to its redemption.

Warner Bros.-based production company Alcon Entertainment is financing the project and will co-produce with Silver Pictures.

Gary Whitta, who wrote the story, recently adapted the graphic novel “Akira” for two live-action films for Warners and Legendary Pictures.

Whitta’s story received a rewrite by Anthony Peckham, who has adapted John Carlin’s biography of Nelson Mandela, “The Human Factor,” for director Clint Eastwood and Warners. He also rewrote “Sherlock Holmes” for director Guy Ritchie and will adapt Olen Steinhauer’s “The Tourist.”

Oscar winner Washington this year completed “The Taking of Pelham 123,” a remake of a 1974 thriller, which Columbia will release in 2009.